Trump Administration to Scrap Rule That Elevated Land Conservation (May 11, 2026)

May 11, 2026 — The Trump administration has officially rescinded a federal regulation that previously allowed the Bureau of Land Management to prioritize environmental conservation on par with industrial activity. This reversal impacts approximately 245 million acres of public territory, shifting the management focus back toward resource extraction such as drilling, mining, and logging. While industry groups and Republican leaders celebrate the move as a boost for economic productivity, environmentalists and tribal communities warn of habitat destruction and increased climate vulnerability. The policy shift occurs as the administration seeks to confirm Steve Pearce, a proponent of reduced federal land ownership, to lead the agency. This decision effectively ends a brief period where restoration leases were offered to protect American landscapes from degradation.